Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stormwater utility?

The stormwater utility will be similar to the City's existing water and sewer utilities, but will be a separate entity responsible for providing service to the City's existing and expanding stormwater drainage system. This utility allows fees to be collected and used to address flooding problems as well as improve water quality by reducing stormwater pollution.

Why a new utility?

In growing cities like Jacksonville, problems arise from uncontrolled stormwater runoff and discharges. Flat terrain and an inadequate drainage system increasingly compound the serious problems associated with heavy rains. The resulting stormwater accumulates in many areas in the city, causing nuisance flooding and possibly threats to public health and safety.

Flooding is only part of the problem. The rain that falls on our streets runs off and carries with it pollutants such as oil, gasoline, and heavy metals. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are washed from lawns and other green space. With the passage of time, these pollutants build up in the waterways causing significant environmental damage to our lakes, creeks, and streams. These pollutants may then percolate into the groundwater aquifer, threatening our drinking water supply.

What is the City's responsibility for stormwater?

The City is responsible for managing all aspects of stormwater within its jurisdiction. The City operates and maintains drainage facilities that are located within the public right-of-way limits or public easements. The City does not maintain facilities that are located on private property or that fall under the jurisdiction of other governmental jurisdictions.

How does the City currently pay for its stormwater service?

Stormwater services are currently funded from revenue derived from property taxes collected by the City. Stormwater must compete for these funds with other City services such as parks, roads, libraries, social services, etc.

Why do we need to spend more on stormwater?

Historically, the allocation of funds has not been sufficient to address all of the City's stormwater service needs. Although the City has done a good job of providing stormwater services on a limited budget, the backlog of stormwater projects has grown and some maintenance is not performed on a routine basis. State and federal laws also require that communities address the environmental impacts of stormwater pollution, but do not provide funds to do it. Consequently, the City must investigate alternative means for raising revenue.

Why not raise property tax?

Property taxes are based only on the assessed market value of a property, without consideration of the contribution of stormwater runoff from the property. Charges derived from property value are therefore not fairly and equitably allocated to stormwater services.

How is a stormwater use fee charged?

A stormwater user fee is charged based upon the contribution of stormwater runoff to the City's stormwater management system. This is a more fair and equitable approach than charges based on property value.

Why should I pay for rain falling on my property?

With a stormwater rate, users are charged for runoff discharged from their property to the City's stormwater management system, not by the amount of rain falling on their property. Property owners control the level of development on their properties, which directly impacts the runoff characteristics of the parcel.

How are differences between parcels determined?

By utilizing residential dwelling units as the basis for a stormwater user fee, charges among other parcel types can be compared to this base unit.

What is a base residential unit?

A base residential unit is determined by the amount of impervious area on the residential parcel.

What is impervious area?

Impervious area includes pavement and building areas such as driveways, parking areas, rooftops, patios, garages and out-structures. The amount of impervious area on a property directly correlates to its contribution of runoff volume and pollutant loading to the City's stormwater management system.

Why should I pay if there is no stormwater inlet in front of my property?

All properties generate stormwater runoff that must be conveyed, transported, stored, treated, and discharged by the City. Even though the stormwater inlets, pipes and ponds may be remote from your property, your parcel still contributes runoff which ultimately discharges to the City stormwater management system and facilities.

My property retains water, why should I pay?

As part of the stormwater user fee, the City would consider a credit policy that reduces charges to properties that have facilities which reduce the amount of runoff or pollutant loads discharged to the city's stormwater management system. For more information, visit the Adjustments and Credits page.

When will the utility be started?

Assuming favorable Council action, the first bills will be received during April 2008.

How much will it cost?

All residential utility customers are in the same customer class and pay a fixed rate per residential dwelling unit by category. Each apartment, townhouse, or condominium is charged a monthly residential rate, based upon category. To calculate your expected charge, use our Stormwater Fee Calculator.

Nonresidential properties (including stores, city facilities, industries, schools, and churches) will be charged by "single family units" (SFUs) for the amount of impervious area found on the property. (Total impervious area square footage divided by 3,100 sq. ft.). A SFU is equivalent to the impervious surface area of the average Jacksonville detached single family residential property (3,100 sq. ft.). Impervious surfaces are those that do not absorb water such as roofs, driveways, and parking lots. To calculate your expected charge, use our Stormwater Fee Calculator.

Can my company get a credit for our privately owned stormwater facilities?

The City will adopt a Credit Policy for customers (industries, churches, restaurants, etc.) that own, maintain, and operate their own stormwater facilities. To qualify, the facilities have to exceed the City's current stormwater design requirements. Copies of the Credit Policy and application forms will be available upon request. For more information, visit the Adjustments and Credits page.

My stormwater bill is incorrect, how do I get it changed?

The City's goal is to make the process as fair and equitable as possible and recognizes that mistakes sometimes happen. If your utility bill is incorrect, the City will change it and provide you with a credit for any overcharges that your account has incurred. To determine if a mistake has occurred, the City needs to collect the following information:

Utility Account No.:

Utility Account Customer Name:

Utility Account Address:

Follow-Up Contact Name:

Follow-Up Contact Number:

Problem/Issue:

The City will research your account and contact you within two weeks to either provide you with an update or solution. For more information, visit the Adjustments and Credits page.

Where can I go for more information?

If you would like additional information on the stormwater utility program or have specific concerns about stormwater issues, please call 630-CITY.